The temple is an architectural titan, surrounded by two levels of massive stone walls (prakarams). Inscriptions dating back to the 9th century detail the extensive land grants and jewels provided by the Chalukyan kings. It stood as a religious and political powerhouse of the Vengi kingdom, surviving numerous regional conflicts due to its fortress-like construction.

The Two-Tiered Sanctum and the 108 Pillars

The temple is a masterpiece of Eastern Chalukyan architecture. The inner temple is built on a two-story plan. On the ground floor, devotees can see the base of the massive 15-foot Lingam, while the daily rituals and 'Abhishekam' are performed on the first floor. The outer walls are incredibly thick, resembling a military fort. The 108-pillared hall (Mandapam) features exquisite carvings of dancers, musicians, and various incarnations of Vishnu and Shiva. A unique architectural feature is the Sapta Godavari Tank, where the waters of the seven holy rivers are said to have been brought by the seven sages.

Legend links this site to the 'Tarakasura Samhara'. When the Atma Lingam of the demon Tarakasura was shattered into five pieces, the second piece fell here. It was installed by Surya Deva (the Sun God) himself. Simultaneously, this is the site where the 'Sati's body parts' fell, specifically her left cheek, making it the residence of Goddess Manikyamba. The name Draksharamam is derived from 'Daksha-Aramam' (The Garden of Daksha), marking it as the site where Daksha Prajapati performed his ill-fated Yagna.

Worship here is unique because it follows a 'Vilasini' tradition for the Goddess and the 'Vaikhanasa/Shaiva' blend for the main deity. Since it is a Shakti Peetha, the worship of Manikyamba is considered vital for completing the pilgrimage. Pilgrims traditionally take a dip in the Sapta Godavari tank, which is believed to cleanse one of the 'Brahmahatya Dosha' (the sin of killing a learned person).

Maha Shivaratri is the primary festival, celebrated with a 10-day extravaganza. The 'Kalyanam' (marriage) of Lord Bhimeswara and Goddess Manikyamba attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. The month of Karthika is also intensely celebrated with thousands of lamps lit in the massive corridors.

A widely held local belief is that the Shiva Lingam at Draksharamam has a 'living' quality. Locals claim that the color of the crystal Lingam changes slightly based on the lunar cycle and the time of day, appearing milky white in the morning and taking on a grayish-blue hue by dusk. Additionally, the 'Sapta Godavari' tank is the subject of scientific curiosity, as the water remains fresh and at a constant level despite the heavy usage by thousands of pilgrims every week.